problems with watersprite

Hi folks,
Just wondering about those of you who are successful in growing watersprite
what your water parameters are: ph, hardness, temp, etc. When I was in Maine it grew great, but now that I live in Alabama, it withers at a gaze ](*,)

Also would like to know what a safe method (fishwise) is in lowering the ph--
specifically a method not peat-based. I keep killies and watersprite is like the
canary in a coal mine: if it's looking good, the fish are happy, too!

Thanks in advance for any advice given,

Bill Ruyle